Practical advice for foreign travelers: emergency bag, what to do when sirens sound, places of shelter

Many foreign travellers are looking for practical advice and clear instructions for travelling safely in Ukraine during emergencies. Find out how to pack an emergency bag, what to do during an air raid, where to find shelter, and how to protect your health with medical insurance that covers military risks

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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A trip to Ukraine in 2025 is a unique experience that combines the discovery of historical and cultural treasures with the need to understand contemporary challenges. Ukraine is a country of courage and resilience, but safety remains a key priority for everyone who visits. This article will provide you with clear, understandable and practical instructions to help you feel confident in emergency situations. In addition to preparation, make sure you have medical insurance that covers military risks – this is a guarantee of your safety while travelling.

Emergency kit: what should every traveller prepare?

An emergency kit is a small backpack or bag containing the most essential items for a quick evacuation. It should be lightweight and ready to use at any time. Having such a kit is a safety standard for everyone in Ukraine.

The list of essential items includes:

1. Documents: Original passport, visa (if required), copies of all important documents (passport, visa, tickets), insurance policy. Keep copies in electronic format as well, for example, on Google Drive.

2. Money: Cash (hryvnia) and bank cards. Carry small bills with you, as cashless payments may not be available in an emergency.

3. Water and food: A supply of drinking water for 1–2 days, as well as a minimum set of non-perishable food items (energy bars, dry biscuits, nuts).

4. First aid kit: Basic medicines (antipyretics, painkillers), plasters, antiseptic, personal medicines that you take.

5. Technology: Fully charged portable charger (power bank) and phone cables. Flashlight with spare batteries.

6. Other: Small folding knife, lighter, whistle, minimal supply of warm clothing and hygiene products.

It is especially important for foreigners to keep copies of their passport, visa and insurance policy in different places (in your suitcase, on your phone, with a companion) so that you can access them even if you lose your main document.

What to do when sirens sound?

The air raid warning system in Ukraine works very effectively. An air raid warning is issued when there is a threat of a missile strike or air attack. You can find out about it from various sources:

1. Siren signal – a long, drawn-out sound that echoes throughout the city.

2. The Air Alarm app can be downloaded from Google Play or App Store.

3. Alerts on local Telegram channels.

Step-by-step instructions for tourists in case of an air raid alarm

1. Stay calm.

2. Immediately go to a shelter. If you are in a hotel or hostel, go to the basement or car park. If you are outside, look for the nearest shelter (usually marked with special signs) or use the nearest underground passage or metro station.

3. Do not stand in open spaces or near windows.

4. Follow official announcements. Stay in the shelter until the ‘All clear’ signal is given. In such situations, medical insurance covering military risks will help you feel more confident knowing that you are protected.

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Where to find shelters in Ukrainian cities?

There is a well-established system of shelters in Ukrainian cities. To find them, use the ‘Dія’ app, which has an integrated map with marked shelters. Also, pay attention to special signs – ‘УКРИТТЯ’ (shelter).

In Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, metro stations function as the largest and safest shelters.

In Lviv and Odesa, shelters are located in the basements of schools, houses and specially equipped places.

Important! Always keep your phone charged. In an emergency, it is your main tool for communication and finding information.

Basic rules of conduct in bomb shelters in Ukraine – on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Basic safety rules for foreigners

In addition to physical preparation, information security is also important. Here are the key rules:

Medical insurance. Travelling to Ukraine without insurance covering military risks is reckless. It is your financial and medical guarantee in any unforeseen situation.

Contacts. Always have the contact details of your embassy in Ukraine, as well as the emergency numbers: 101 (fire brigade), 102 (police), 103 (ambulance).

Find out about the procedure for taking out insurance for Ukraine online – a few minutes of your time for safety throughout your trip.

Keep your documents and money safe. Store them in a safe place and keep copies separate from the originals.

Take out medical insurance with military risk coverage — this is an extremely important step for your travels in Ukraine.

Final checklist for safe travel in Ukraine

1. Your emergency bag should be light and always at hand.

2. You should know what to do during an air raid.

3. You should be able to find the nearest shelter.

4. We recommend that you take out medical insurance covering military risks.

5. You should keep the contact details of emergency services and your embassy.

We discussed what foreign tourists should have in their backpacks when travelling to Ukrainein our previous article.

Ukraine is open for travel, and with the right preparation, your trip will be safe and comfortable. Purchase medical insurance covering military risks from Visit Ukraine — it is your protection in any situation.

Photo: Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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